Pipe cutter



Oct. 16, 1951 H. Q OTlS ET AL 2,571,934

PIPE CUTTER Oct. 16, 1951 H C, OTIS ET AL 2,571,934

PIPE CUTTER Filed Feb. 19, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 BY @4W M Oct. 16, 1951 H, C, Q-ns ET AL 2,571,934

PIPE CUTTER Filed Feb. 19, 1945 4 sheets-sheet 4 Herbe/ C.Otz'.s Jo/m C. Luccous /m H. /Wz'lI/er IN VEN TORS BY m15 M Patented Oct. 16, .1951

PIPE CUTTER Herbert C. Otis .and John C. Luccous, Dallas, and VIra. A. Miller, Houston, Tex.

Application February 19, 1945, Serial No.. 578,780

This invention relates tonew and useful improvementsV in pipe cutters, and more particularly to cutters adapted to beoperated by means of a ileXible line.

Heretofore, in cutting pipe in wells vit has been the y practice to Vutilize a Amill or other Ytype l of -expanding cutter which must be rotated by `means of a string of smallerrpiperuninto the pipe which is .to Vbe cut. Such expanding :cutters require a relatively heavy string of pipe to withstand the .torque of the cutting rotation atdepths of several thousand feet, usually a string of special small drill pipe which must be transported from well to well at considerableexpense. AIn wells in which there. is fluid pressurepresent, -it hasbeen lnecessaryto"kill the well by loading it with mud or other loading uid lor `to Arun the lcutting string under pressureffboth of vwhich operations'are expensive and require a considerableexpendi-ture of time. .Frequently there 'is greater pressure present in the wellthan the pipe can'be'safely run against, and it is diicult to adequately .seal o raround theTOtatingpipewhen cutting under pressure. Also, it Yhas been .necessary-togerect1a dei-rick or a mast `and Vdraw-:works .fand rotary table forhandling the'string'of cuttingipipe. lObviously, this `methodientails a considerable length of time and `the services of Ya large crew of men.

Furthermore, in using Vsuch devices, it'is diicult to determine whether Vthe .cutter .is .being expanded to .out:initheupsetzportion of the pipe or in a collar section. The voperatonasra result, can not denitelylknow that the vpipeis outcompletely in twoor thatthe pipeis'beingnutata point which will permit subsequentxoperations to be performed upon it.

Also, it is frequently .necessary to .circulat uids in the well during orimrnediately kafter cutting -the pipe in two `and the small diameter of .the bore of the smallcutting stringmay 'notbe large enough for adequate circulation.

It will be seen that the methods previously 'inv use ffor cutting pipe'requirea considerable 'length o'f-time for settingup the lderrick, the draw-works -and rotary table, and Afor running the str-ing of special cutting'pipe into the well. Since a llarge crew-of men is required, and the special string of drill Vpipe must frequently be transported vfrom a distance, a considerable expense 'is involved.

It is, therefore, onerobject of the invention to provide an improved pipe cutter which maybe lowered into a well `pipe `and operated therein'by means of a'lexible line or wire to cui; the pipe ,in two.

`An important object `of the invention is to 2 provide an improvedcutter, of the character .described, which has means for providing for the accurate location of the cut at any desired elevation in the well pipe.

A further object of the invention .is to provide in a cutter of the vcharacter described means providing for positive actuation ofthe cutter to assure complete parting of the .well pipe.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide in such a cutter means for .indicating that'the .pipe has been completely perforated by the cutter.

Still another object'l ofthe vinvention is toprovide means .for positively .retracting the cutter blade.

A particular'object ofthe invention is to provide a pipe cutter of the character described, adapted to .be operated upon a ilexible line, having .means for .positively rotating thecutter to assure .that the well pipe iscut completely intwo.

Stillanother object of theinvention is .to pro- .vide in a cutterof thecharacter described means for turning .the Lcutter through a-predetermined are on its axis to assure the positive location of .each perforation of the well lpipe to provide Vfor `overlapping cuts or for.spaced perforations as desired. The spaced perforations may be desirable .for holding the pipe in alignment for removing tools therefrom prior .to pulling the pipe in two at the perforations.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a pipe cutteradapted to beoperated by .means of a iiexible .line -and having means providing for positiverotative positioning of the cutter whereinsaid .means provide for so positioning the cutter `for -each perforation of the well pipe that a complete cut may be made without removing the cutterirom the -well pipe.

A still vfurther object of the vinventionis to provide ina cutter ofthe character described a cutting point so arranged .that the portion of the pipe which is cut oiT vand left in the well has a substantially smooth cut surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a cutter of the character described means for limiting the outward 'force applied to the cutter,

whereby uniform perforations are obtained and also whereby fracture or breakage of Vthe ,cutter point is eliminated.

Additional objects andadvantages of the invention will ,beapparent froma reading of the following description ofa device constructed in accordance with the invention, andreference to the accompanying .drawings thereof, .whereinz Figures 1, 2 and'3 are views, partlyin elevation and partly in section, of a pipe cutter constructed in accordance with the invention and showing the same in position within a well pipe,

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are similar views showing the cutter in expanded cutting position within the well pipe,

Figures 7, 8, 9, and 11 are enlarged horizontal cross-sectional views taken on lines 1 1, 8 8, 9 9, ID-I and il-H of Figures 1 through 3,

Figure 12 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of Figure 4,

Figure 13 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section, of a mechanism for rotating the cutter to provide for positive location of each perforation,

Figure 14 is a horizontal cross-sectional View taken on the line 14-54 of Figure 13,

Figure 15 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section, of a modiiied form of turning device for positively rotating the cutter, and

Figures 16 and 17 are horizontal cross-sectional views taken on lines Iii-i6 Vand I1-i1 of Figure 15.

In the drawings, the numeral designates an elongate cylindrical base member having a diametrical slot 2l formed in its upper end. An elongate cutter arm 22 has its lower end pivotally secured within the slot 2l by means of a pin 23 extending transversely of the slot. A cutter member 24 having a horizontally disposed projecting cutter blade 25 is detachably secured within an opening 2B at the `upper end of the cutter arm by means of a set-screw 21. As is clearly shown in Figure 1, the cutter member is provided with an elongate lback portion 28 having an inclined i outer surface projecting beyond the rear surface of the cutter arm 22. The underside of the cutter blade is preferably undercut slightly to relieve the same, and the face of the blade is formed with a slight outward and downward angle to provide an entering cutting edge at the lower edge of the face. This assures that the cut made by the lower edge of the blade is relatively smooth an-d undistorted.

An elongate tubular sleeve 30 having a solid head portion 31 telescopes the cutter arm and the base member 25, and is slidably` connected to said base member by means of a key-pin 3l mounted at the upper end oi the base and having its ends engaging within longitudinal key slots 32 formed in the wall of the sleeve. The key-pin and slots serve to limit longitudinal movement between the base member and the sleeve and to prevent rotation of the base member within said sleeve. An elongate vertical window or slot 33 is provided in the upper portion of the sleeve, and the cutter blade and upper end of the cutter arm are slidable longitudinally therein and expansible outwardly therethrough.

For moving the cutter arm 22, to force the cutter blade 25 through the wall of a well pipe o1' tubing T, an elongate wedge or expander member 34 is secured within a recess at the upper end of the sleeve 3G by means of bolts 35 extending through bolt holes and head recesses 35 `formed in the solid head portion 31 of the sleeve member, as clearly shown in Figures l and 4. Ob- Viously, as the wedge or expander member and sleeve are moved downwardly with relation to the cutter arm and the base member, from Athe l il Y ber is closed at 65.

4 tion of suiiicient force to the wedge member will then drive the cutter blade through the tubing wall to form a horizontal slot perforation therein. The outer portion of the wedge member is adapted to engage the wall of the well tubing for support as it is moved downwardly.

The wedge member is forced downwardly by means of hammer-like vblows delivered by manipulation of an ordinary weight member or sinker bar and link jars 4i connected to the upper end of the head 31 of the tubular sleeve member by means of screw threaded pin 31a. The sinker bar and jars are manipulated within the well tubing by means of a flexible steel line or cable 42 connected to the upper end of the sinker bar by means of a suitable wire line socket member 43. Obviously, lifting the Sinkel' lbar and jars to the position shown in Figure 4 and dropping them, throughout the length of the links of the jars, will impart a hammer-blow to the wedge member 34 and force said wedge member downwardly to expand the cutter member 24.

For holding the base member stationary to permit forcing the wedge member downwardly, an anchor or stop member S is provided. The anchor includes an elongate mandrel 45 having a reduced cylindrical portion 45 at its upper end, provided with a retrieving connection |46. The central portion of the mandrel is formed with a frustro-conical shaped expander section 41, tapering inwardly at its lower end, and an annular ange 48 is provided immediately below the tapered portion 41. Below the iiange, the mandrel has a reduced cylindrical shank 49 upon which a carrier member 59 is slidably mounted.

Gripping elements or slips 5l having sharp gripping teeth on their outer surface are slidable on the inclined section 41 of the mandrel, and are provided with elongate depending handles 52.

The slip handles extend downwardly through slots 53 formed in the flange 48, and are loosely connected to the slip carrying member by means of the engagement of their T-shaped lower ends 54 within correspondingly T-shaped slots 55 formed in the upper portion of the carrier 55.

` The slip handles are restrained against outward displacement from the slots 55 by means of a band 55 which is secured in an annular groove surrounding said carrier member. A similar band 51 prevents outward displacement of the slip handles from the slots 53 in the mandrel iiange 48. Movement of the slips on the mandrel is limited by the engagement of the carrier member with the under side of the flange 48 and by the engagement of the slips 5I with the upper side of said flange.

The lower portion of the carrier member is reduced in diameter and provided with external screw threads 58, and a tubular collar member 59a having internal screw threads at each end is connected to the lower end of said carrier. A collar iinder or locator F, having an elongate cylindrical tubular body member 59 is threaded into the lower end of said collar, as clearly shown in Figure 3. The lower end of said body mem- An elongate cylindrical plunger member 5i, having a transverse slot 62 in its central portion is slidable longitudinally within the body member 59, and a dog or pawl member 63 is hingedly secured at its lower end within the slot 62 by means of a pin 54. A leafspring 65 is secured to the plunger above the slot and acts against the upper end of the pawl member 53 to urge the same outwardly from the slot. The body member 59 has an elongate window 66 provided at its upper end, and the swinging fupper vend ofthe pawl member isadapted-'tobe "expanded outwardly -'through said window as #shown in`Figure'3, wherebythe upper endo'fsaid pawl member is adapted to engage within the 'annular recess between coupled ends of joints 'of the tubing string.

The plunger :6| is normally held in the position illustrated VinFigureS by `meansof a shear pin 61 extending'transversely through the v`body member and' theplunger, wherebyitheidog orpawl member may be swung outwardly through 'the window in the body, Yas has A'been explained. -However, upon relative upward' movement of the fibo'dy'm'ember, the engagement Yof the'dog with the end ofthe :tubingfwill causethe pin '.61 .to -be shearedfand theplunger 6I to drop downwardly within the -vbody 59 Yto the position illustrated "in Figure 6. In this position, vthe upper `end tof tthe vdog .is swung 'inwardly 'and :confined .within Vthe .bore 'ofA thetubular bodymember.

:As'will readiiy'beseenythe weight ofthe slips vthe carrier member G 'and the collar finder `F -will normally nioVe-saidslips to their :lowermost `position inthe mandrel, engaging the'ilange'. However, downward movement of themandrel with respect to the slips willmove the inclined or tapered expander section llldownwardly between fthe'slipsto force said '.slipsradi'ally outwardinto -gripping engagement'with the wall of the well rtubing'T. Such `relative movement may be ob- 1;. vtained bysuddenly lowering the mandrel vbysudstantially stationary andthe taperedsection Aoi y uthe mandrel `will move "downwardly Vbetween the slips to immediately expand them -in'to gripping engagement with' the'tubng.

Once theslips have'engagedth'ewall of the-well tubing, 'further-application tof downward force to the mandrel tends `to increase the k.gripping action of the slips. Thus, fthe vstop for anc'hor `member is heldstationarytoprovid'e'afstationary support for the basemember ofthe nutten-and thereby permits the wedge member '.34 to be driven downwardly toforcethe cutter member -24 outwardly throughthewall ofthe Well tubing `tofform a 'cutthereim as'shown in 'Figures 4 and '12.

'-While the `stop member and collarlnderrmay be lowered into the tubing and set therein independentlyfof the cutting device, if desired, Ythe cutter may be detachably connected with 'said stop lmember Aas shown in Figure 2. 'The lower end of thebase member '29 :is'provide'dwith a depending annular skirt '18, which is adapted vto 'telescope the reduced upper cylindrical'portion of the mandrel de, and to seat upon the shoulder -lita/between Ysaid cylindrical reduced'portion and tapered section of the mandrel. A frangi-blefpin 7 extends transversely through the depending flange and the upper reduced portion Aofthe'mandrei. whereby the base member lis releasably connected to said mandrel with the lower endfof'the skirt spaced slightly above the shoulder 5450i.

In lowering the cutting Vdevice into the well pipe T, it is desirable that the sleeve'Sil andthe base member 2S be heldin the vextended position shown in Figures l and 2, whereby Ythe cutting arm 22 is held retracted. In such'position, the wall of the sleeve `at the lower end of the vertical window 33 engages the outer surface-of the 'cutter arm to positively move said 'arm and the cutter blade Y carried thereby to retracted inoperati-ve position. For releasably holding the the pipe is to be cut has been reached.

"6 'sleeve and the base in such position, ashearpin "I3 extends through said sleeve and'base member just below the key-pin 3l. Obviously, the shear pin will hold thefparts in this extended position until such time said pin is fractured to permit the lsleeve to telescope the base member. Thepin is readily sheared by jarring downwardly uponthe wedge member 31% and sleeve 3D after the stop member S has been Aanchored in the well pipe. The frangible pin may be readily renewed each time the cutting device is used.

lForpositively indicating that the cutter blade has'been moved to its fully expanded position, and that said cutter blade has penetrated the wall of the well pipe, an indicator pin le may be secured within a transverse `hole provided at the'lower end of the `base member. As is clearly shown in Figure 2, the outer ends of theindicator pin project beyond the surface of the base member, and are adaptedto be engaged by the lower end of the sleeve 3o land sheared oli. Since the sleeve is moved to its fully telescoped position when the wedge member 34 has been forced downwardly to the position illustrated in Figures 4 and `5, at which time the cutter blade is fully expanded, it will readily be seen that when the projecting ends of the indicator pin are sheared off, and the cutter blade is indicated to have been fully expanded.

ln'use. the Vcomplete assembly is lowered into the well tubing until'the desired depth at which The wire line is then pulled upwardly until the pawl on the collar finder engages'beneath the end of a joint of pipe in the recess at a couplingas illustrated in Figure 3. Continued upward pull shears the pin (il and retracts the pawl G3, as has been described. It will therefore be seen that both the slips 5l and the cutter blade 25 are thereby denitely positioned above the collar section and the adjoining upset portion of the well tubing.

The lineand mandrel carried thereby are then suddenly lowered and this downward movement permits the tapered section 4l of the mandrel 'hereinbefore explained.

The application of a downward force by means of the einher bar and linkjars will serve to Vset the slips more rmly to `provide a stationary base for operation-of the cutter. After theslips lhave been firmly set, continued downward jarring will causethe irangible pin?! to be sheared and permit downward rmovement of the `skirtflil to the shoulder dta. Then the pin 'F3 will be slieared to permit downward nim-'ement of the sleeve E@ land wedge member 3e with relation to the base member and the cutter member 24. As

the wedge member forces the cutter-member outwardlythrough the window 33, the cutter blade will engage the wallof the well tubing T and further downward jarring will force said cutter blade through the wall of the tubing, as illustrated in Figures aand l2, to form a'horizontal elongate slot perforation therein.

After the slotted perforation has been formed, the wire line 42 is lifted to elevate Ythe sinker bar dil and link jars lll. 'Upward movement ofthe jars moves the wedge member 3e and the sleeve 30 upwardly, and said sleeve engages the cutter arm at the lower end ofthe window 33 to positively'retract the cutter blade '25 from 'the 'perforation. Further upward movement of the wire line-moves the parts ofthe cutter to the position shown in Figures l and 2, with the key-pin 3i engaging the sleeve at the upper end of the slot 32 to move the base member 20 upwardly. Since the shear pin 'H has been fractured, the skirt l!! is raised from the shoulder 46a. If desired, the entire cutter assembly may then be removed from the well tubing, and the stop member and collar finder separately removed by means of suitable retrieving tools (not shown).

However, in order to cut the tubing in two, additional perforations must be made. It will readily be seen that if the cutter is again lowered until the skirt 'i0 engages the shoulder 46a on the stop member, the cutter arm may again be expanded to form a new perforation. Since it is virtually impossible, because of twist in the steel line 42 and for other reasons, to again expand the cutter blade at the same point at which the original perforation was made, it will be seen that a new slotted perforation will be formed in the tubing at a point displaced angularly in a horizontal plane from the original perforation. New perforations are formed until the pipe has been cut in two at the point determined by the position of the stop. Since the stop remains stationary, it is obvious that all the newly formed perforations will lie in a horizontal plane, and that the pipe will be cut in two at such plane.

For positively turning the cutter blade to assure accurate placement of perforations formed in the tubing thereby, turning devices may be incorporated in the assembly. Two such positive turning devices are illustrated in Figures 13 through 17 inclusive.

A simple form of positioning mechanism for positively angularly spacing the perforations formed by the cutter blade 25 in a horizontal plane is illustrated in Figures l`3 and i4. In this form, the base member 2G is provided with an internally threaded box 80 at its lower end, by means of which a detachable foot member 8i having an upstanding pin 82 may be connected to said base member. The foot member is provided with a depending tubular skirt 83 having an angular or cam-shaped lower end B4.

The stop member, in this form, has a mandrel provided with a tapered or frusto-conical expander section 41 like that of the previous form. Above the shoulder 46a, however, the upper reduced cylindrical portion 85 of the mandrel in this form differs from that previously described. Above the shoulder Mia, the mandrel is formed with an elongate annular groove 86 to form a retrieving connection 87 at the extreme upper end thereof. A tubular support ring 88, having an angular shaped or inclined upper end 88a corresponding to the cam shaped lower end oi' the skirt 83, surrounds the cylindrical portion 85 of the mandrel and is supported upon the shoulder 45a. The supporting ring is secured to the mandrel by means of a pin 89 to prevent rotation of said ring on the mandrel.

Obviously, when the skirt 83 telescopes the upper end of the reduced cylindrical section of the mandrel, the cam shaped lower end 84 will engage the correspondingly inclined upper end of the supporting ring 88. The upper end of the mandrel will engage the closed portion 9B of the member 8l, wherely downward force applied to the base member 2D' is transmitted through the member 8l to the mandrel 45.

As the skirt telescopes the mandrel, the cam shaped surface 84 and the inclined surface 88a will contact each other and will turn untilA they match or engage each other substantially throughout their full angular length so that the foot member 8l will come to rest and be supported in the same position with respect to the mandrel each time said foot member is so lowered. Since the foot member is so positively positioned with relation to the mandrel of the stop member each time the cutter is lowered to the stop member, it is manifest that the base member 20 of the cutter and the parts carried thereby will likewise be so positively positioned with respect to the stop member within the tubing. Therefore, the cutter blade 25 will be positioned at the same point within the tubing each time the cutter is lowered to and supported upon the stop, unless means is provided for causing positive angular displacement of said cutter blade about the longitudinal axis of the cutter to permit formation of a plurality of spaced perforations in a plane determined by the position of the stop. For displacing the base member and the cutter blade 25 supported thereby angularly about the axis of the cutter in a horizontal plane within the tubing an annular washer 9| is provided between the lower end of the base member and the upper end of the foot member 8 l. Slight variations in thickness of the washer 9| will cause the base member to assume diierent angular positions about its axis as said base member is screwed tightly on the pin 82 of the foot member 8l, since the base member is stopped in its rotation at diierent points by engagement with washers of dierent thicknesses. Manifestly, therefore, a range of washers having different thicknesses may be successively inserted between the foot member 8l and the base member to cause the cutter blade to be displaced angularly to a plurality of spaced positions about the axis of the base member and thus positively provide for spacing the perforations formed by the cutter blade a predetermined number of degrees in a horizontal plane to cause complete severance of the tubing at that plane.

To change the washers 9| and cause the cutter blade to be turned through the desired number of degrees of angular displacement, it is only necessary that the wire line, sinker bar, jars, and cutter carrying the foot member 8l, be lifted upwardly and removed from the tubing. A new Washer having a proper different thickness may then be inserted between the base member 20' and the foot member 8l and the cutter assembly again lowered into the well tubing to engage the stop member.

If desired, the perforations may be actually spaced from each other, so as to leave a small amount of tubing wall joining the two sections above and below the perforations. This may be desirable in order to remove the cutter or other tools from the tubing before pulling the tubing in two.

A modied form of turning mechanism, wherein the cutter may be operated to form a complete cut about the tubing, is illustrated Vin Figures l5 through 17. In this form it is unnecessary that the cutter assembly be removed from the well tubing to cause it to turn the Cutter blade to a new angular position.

The stop member in this form is the same as that illustrated in Figure 13, and just described. A modified form of turning mechanism for attachment to the base member 2E' is provided, however.

An elongate tubular -foot member 95, having an angular or inclined or cam shaped lower end 9B, is adapted to telescope the upper end of the mandrel in the same manner as the previous form: reduced in diameter at 91 and has a reduced bore 98, as clearly shown in Figure' 15; The extreme upper end of the foot member has formed thereon a plurality of substantially equilateral ratchet-like teeth 99. A tubular sleeve l has its lower end telescoping the reduced upper portion 97 of the footmember andy is secured thereto by welding or otherwise. The sleeve is a-dapted to receive a ratchet ring IE!! which is securely aiixed upon an elongate cylindrical arbor m2 by means of a pin I3, or by welding or otherwise. The ratchet ring isI formed with ratchet-like teeth |04 on the lower end corresponding to the ratchet-like teeth- 99 on the foot member, and the upper end oi theV ring Il has formed thereon ratchet-like teeth H115A of. substantially right triangular shape, as clearly illustrated in Figure l5. A closure ring H36` surrounds the arbor |62 and is securely welded or otherwise amxed within the' upper end offthesleeveiil. ring is provided with right triangular ratchetlike teeth lil` corresponding to the teeth IE5 on the ratchet ring. The upper end of the arbor is formed with aV screw threaded pin |03 which isthreaded into the box Bil-at thelower end of the base member 2.0 of the cutter.

In operation, the angular lower end et of the foot member telescopes the upper end of the mandrel. and engages the angular or inclined surface 88d of the support ring thereon. Si multaneously, the lower end of thearbor I2- en gages the upper end of the mandrel of the stop member, whereby the force of downward blows against the base member 2b is transmitted through the arbor to the stop member. When' the arbor engages the mandrel, asillustrated irLFigure 15, the ratchet-like teeth ltd on the it' ratchet ring are in mesh with the teeth 9S- on the foot member, whereby the base member and cutter are held against-rotation in the tubing.

After the cutter blade Z5 has beenY expandedtoform a slotted perforation in the tubing, the

wire line is lifted to raise the wedge memberl .til and: sleeve 343, as has been described', thereby retractingithe cutter blade 25 and also lifting-the base member 2G' and the arbor attached there`m to. As. the arbor is moved upwardly with relation to the sleeve |59, it will be seen that the inclinedy surfaces of the teeth 95 on theeratchet ring Uil, will engage the teeth H31 on the ring 05. Since these teeth are out of alignment with each other when the teeth |64 are'engaged with the teeth ce, it will bel seen that, as the arbor is lifted,rthe teeth m5 will engage the teeth itl" and will slide along their respective inclined surfacesuntil the vertical surfaces abut. This results in a turning motion being impartedj to the arbor relative tothe sleeve IDB.

As the cutter and the arbor are again lowered,

the teeth lee on the ratchet ring willY engage theA teeth 99 onthe foot member somewhere along the inclined surface of the respective" teeth, since they have beenl turned out of alignment bythe engagement of the upper teeth as just described. As the arbor is moved on downwardly, the teeth. H34 and S9 will mesh to complete the partial rotation of the arbor with respect to the sleeve; This results in a definite displacement ofv the cutter blades with respect to the previous perforation, and the tubing is perforated at a new position.

The rotation ofthe arbor with respect to-fthe The upper end of the foot member is The lower end of the closure' sleeve and foot member, caused by the engagement of the upper teeth it and i6?, moves the lower teeth ltd withrespect to the teeth 99 on the foot' member more than one-half the distance between. the root of each tooth, so that for each cycle the ratchet member is moved or displaced angularly the distance between the teeth on the foot member. In-this manner, the cutter blade is moved through a predetermined number of degrees for each perforation, and a complete circular cut may be madelin thetubing wall in a plane determined by the position of the stop member.

If desired, the arrangement of the teeth on the ratchet ring, the'foot member and the closure` a small unperforated portion of the tubing-be tween each perforation to hold the upper and lower sections of the tubing in alignment to per-v mit removal of the cutter assembly or other toolsv in the tubing prior to pulling'the tubing. in two.

With this form of turniner device incorporated in the cutter assembly, a complete annular cut, or a spaced cut, maybe formed in the wall of the tubing without removing the assembly' from the tubing during such operation.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that an improved pipe cutter has been provided which may be run into a well conductor on a small steel or flexible line to cut the pipe in two. No rotary mechanism isneeded at theY surface and no string of specialV cutting pipe isrequired. Furthermore, since the device is run on a small steel line, it may be run into the well' against any presently known pressure to out the pipeY under pressure and no snubbing equipment is necessary.

It will also be seen that the collar finder provides for positive and accurate location of the cut with respect to collar portions or upset sections of the tubing, and that the stopmember or support provides means for positively locating and `indicating the point in the well tubing at whichsaid tubing is to be cut. IfI desired, the operator can measure the depth to the stopto positively determine the position of the cut.

Furthermore, it-will be` seen that a cutter has been provided 'which is positively actuated to assure complete perforation of the pipe, said cutter being positively retractable from cutting-position. Also, the device includes means for indicatingthat the cutter has formed a complete perforation in the Well tubing wall.

The stop member'provides means for preventingbreaking of the cutter blade by theapplication of downward force to the wedge member, sincef the base member is positively heldin astationary position by means of said stop. Furthermore, the engagement of the cutter arml with the wall of the Well tubing limits the outward force applied to the cutter blade.

It will also be seen that means has been provided for positively turning the cutter blade in a horizontal plane to assure complete partingy of the well tubing. In both forms of turning mechanism, a positive predetermined angular displacement of the cutterblade Within a horizontal planeis provided, whereby overlapping cuts may be formed to assure complete parting of thetubing or spaced cuts may be made forthe purpose of temporarily holding the tubing in alignment to permit removal of well tools therefrom prior` to` pulling thel tubing in two at the point of perfora- In additiomthere is provided means for turning the cutter blade through a complete circle to cut the tubing in a horizontal plane without removing the assembly from the well tubing.

The cutter blade is also so designed that a smooth surface is provided on the upper end of the section of the well tubing which is cut oi and left in the well.

Since the entire device can be removed from the well, it is manifest that a greater circulating capacity for killing the well is provided.

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory only, and changes in the details of the construction illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention,

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A well pipe cutter including, a support having means for anchoring it in a stationary position in a well pipe, cutter` means supported by the support and rotatable with respect to the support in substantially a horizontal plane determined by the position of the support, means for forcing said cuttter means through the wall of the well pipe to cut the same, and means for rotating the cutter means through a series of predetermined angular displacements in said substantially horizontal plane on the support and cutter means to position it to form successive radially extending cuts in the pipe.

2. A cutting device including, a support having means for anchoring it in a stationary position in a well pipe, cutter means carried by the support, means operable upon a flexible line for forcing the cutter means through the wall of the well pipe to cut the same, and means for rotating the cutter means to position it to form successive radially extending cuts in a horizontal plane in the pipe.

3. A pipe cutting device including, a base member, cutter means supported by the base member, means for forcing the cutter means through the wall of a well pipe to cut the same, anchoring means for engaging the wall of the well pipe, and means for spacing the anchoring means and cutter means from collar sections in the Well pipe.

4. A pipe cutting device including, a base member, anchoring means for engaging the wall of a well pipe to positively support the base member at any desired level within the well pipe, cutter means supported by the base member and rotatable in a horizontal plane determined by the position of the anchoring means, means for forcing the cutter means through the wall of the well ,pipe to cut the same, and means for moving the cutter means through a predetermined angular displacement in the horizontal plane to position it to form successive substantially radial cuts in the well pipe.

5. As a sub-combination in a pipe cutting device, a cutting member including, a body portion, and a projecting cutter blade having a horizontally elongated rectangular cutting face, the under side of said blade being relieved whereby the cutting face is larger in cross-sectional area than the remainder of the cutter blade, the face being inclined downwardly and outwardly to provide an entering cutting edge at the lower edge of the face.

6. As la sub-combination in a cutting device, a collar finder including, an elongate tubular body having a stop at its lower end and having a lateral opening in its upper portion, an elongate plunger member slidable longitudinally within the body, and a member carried by the plunger and movable outwardly through the opening in the body to engage a recess at the coupling joining two sections of pipe, said member being retractable from such engaging position.

7. As a sub-combination in a cutting device, a collar nder including, an elongate tubular body having means for attaching it to a cutting device and having a stop at its lower end, said body also having a lateral opening in its upper portion, an elongate plunger member slidable longitudinally within the body, a member carried by the plunger and movable outwardly through the opening in the body to engage a recess at a coupling joining two sections of pipe, and releasable means normally holding the plunger in position whereby the member may move outwardly through the opening in the body, said means being releasable to permit the member to be retracted from engaging position.

8. As a sub-combination in a cutting device, a collar finder including, an elongate tubular body having means for attaching it to a cutting device and having a stop at its lower end, said body also having a lateral opening in its upper portion, an elongate plunger member slidable longitudinally within the body, a member carried by the plunger and movable outwardly through the opening in the body to engage a recess at a coupling joining two sections of pipe, releasable means normally holding the plunger in position whereby the member may move outwardly through the opening in the body, said means being releasable to permit the member to be retracted from engaging position, and yieldable means normally urging the engaging member to engaging position.

9. A pipe cutting device including, a base member, cutter4 means supported by the base member, means for forcing the cutter means through the wall of a. well pipe torcut the same, releasable anchoring means for engaging the wall of the well pipe to positively support the base member at any desired level therein, positioning means on the anchoring means and base member for rotating the base member and cutter means supported thereby through a predetermined angular arc to position said cutter means to form cuts in a horizontal plane determined by the position of the anchoring means.

10. A pipe cutting device including, a base member having mearm for releasably anchoring it in a stationary position within a well pipe, an elongate cutter means having its lower end swingably supported by the base member and having a cutter blade at its upper end, an expander member for forcing the cutter blade outwardly through .the Wall of a Well pipe to cut the same, a sleeve member telescoping the cutter means and base member and having means for positively retracting the cutter means and the blade carried thereby from cutting position, and means for rotating the cutter blade to position it to form successive cuts in a horizontal plane.

11. A cutting device of the character set forth in claim 2, wherein the device includes means providing for positively indicating that the cutter means has been forced through the wall of the well pipe.

l2. A pipe cutting device including, a ysupport member having releasable means engageable with the wall of a well pipe to anchor it in a stationary position in said pipe, cutter means supported by said support member, means operable to force the cutter means through the wall of the well pipe to cut the same, and means interposed between the i 3 support member and the cutter means providing for positively spacing cuts at a plurality of points in a horizontal plane within the well pipe.

13. A pipe cutting device including, a support member having releasable means engageable with the wall of a well pipe to anchor it in a stationary p-osition in said pipe, nder means for spacing the support member from collar sections in the Well pipe, cutter means supported by said support member, means operable to force the cutter means through the Wall of the well pipe to cut the same, and means interposed between the support member and the cutter means providing for rotation of the cutter means in a horizontal plane within the well pipe.

14. A pipe cutting device including, .a support member having releasable means engageable with the Wall of a well pipe to anchor it in a stationary position in said pipe, nder means for spacing the support member from col-lar sections in the well pipe, cutter means supported by said support member, means operable to force the cutter means through the wall of the well pipe to cut the same, and means interposed between the support member and the cutter means for moving said cutter means through a predetermined angular displacement in a horizontal plane providing for positively spacing cuts at a plurality of points in such horizontal plane within the well pipe.

15. A pipe cutting device including, a base member, a support member having means for releasably anchoring it in a stationary position within a well pipe, an elongate cutter means having is lower end swingably supported bythe base member and having a cutter blade at its upper end, an expander member movable with relation to the cutter means for forcing the cutter blade outwardly through the wall of a well pipe to cut the same, a sleeve member telescoping the cutter means and base member and having means for positively retracting the cutter means and the blade carried thereby from cutting position, and means for rotating the cutter blade to position it to form cuts at a plurality of points in a horizontal plane within the well pipe.

16. A pipe cutting device including, a base member, a support member having means for releasably anchoring it in a stationary position within a well pipe, an elongate cutter arm having its lower end swingably supported by the base member and having a cutter blade at its upper end, a sleeve member telescoping the cutter arm and base member and having means for engaging the cutter arm to retract the cutter blade from cutting position, an expander member carried by the sleeve and movable with relation to the cutter arm to force the cutter blade outwardly through the wall of a well pipe to cut the same, positioning and rotating means interposed between the support member and base member for rotating the base member and cutter arm supported thereby through a predetermined angular arc to position the cutter blade to form cuts at a plurality of points in a horizontal plane determined by the position of the support means.

17. A pipe cutter including, a base member, cutter means carried by the base member and rotatable in a horizontal plane determined by the position of the base member, means for forcing said cutter means through the wall of a pipe to cut the same, and a support having meansfor anchoring it in a stationary position in a pipe, said support providing means for holding the base member against'l relative longitudinal movement within the pipe whereby the cutter means may be actuated to form a plurality of substantially radial-ly extending cuts in the wall of the pipe in a horizontal plane determined by the position of the support and base member.

18. A pipe cutting device including, a support having means for anchoring it in a stationary position in a pipe, cutter means supported by the support, means operable to force the cutter means through the wall of the pipe to cut the same, a positioning member carried by the support, a complementary positioning foot member carried by the cutter means and engageable with the positioning member of the support for positioning said foot member with respect to the support, and a series or" spacer members adapted to be removably interposed between the positioning foot member and the cutter means and providing for positively spacing cuts at angularly displaced points in a plane substantially transverse of the pipe determined by the stationary posititon of the support.

19. A pipe cutting device including, a support having means for anchoring it in a stationary position in a pipe, cutter means supported by the support, means operable to force the cutter means substantially radially through the wall of the pipe to cut the same, a cam-faced positioning member carried by the support, and a complementary positioning foot member having a screw-threaded connection with the lower end of the cutter means and having a complementary cam face Iat its lower end engageable with the cam-faced positioning member of the support, and washer members removably interposed between the positioning foot member and the cutter means for positively spacing cuts made by said cutter means at angularly displaced points in a plane substantially transverse of the pipe determined by the stationary position of the support.

HERBERT C. OTIS. JOI-IN C. LUCCOUS. IRA A. MILLER.

REFERENCES CYTED` The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 904,657 Stephens Nov. 24, 1908 1,080,313 Yungling Dec. 2, 1913 1,847,613 Jones Mar. 1, 1932 1,867,840 Jones July 19, 1932 2,188,409 Lane Jan. 30, 1940 2,315,437 Luccous Mar. 20. 1943 Certicate of Correction Patent No. 2,571,934 October 16, 1951 HERBERT C. OTIS ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the nted specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as fol ows:

Column 11, lines 29 and 30, strike out on the support and cutter means and insert the same in line 26, after means and that the said Letters Patent should be read as corrected above, so that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oce.

Signed and sealed this 12th day of February, A. D. 1952.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Gommisaoner of Patente. 

